Ending an 18-year drought, Sterlington claimed the District 2-2A championship without the necessity of a tiebreaker game.

Following Friday night's 78-45 victory over Lake Providence, the Panthers began preparing to play Homer in a tiebreaker for first place. With the game against Homer tentatively scheduled for Wednesday night at Ruston High, the Panthers' Saturday and Monday practices were geared toward Homer.

Playing the spoiler, Ferriday upset Homer 82-75 on Monday night in a makeup game, leaving the Panthers (24-7, 9-1) as the outright district champs.

Coach Phillip Craig guided the Panthers to their most recent district title in 1995.

Homer won its first round game over Ferriday handily, 63-44, on Feb. 1, but the Trojans held homecourt advantage Monday.

Homer (13-10) is the district runner-up, while Ferriday improved to 10-14, 5-5.

Standing at No. 10 in the latest LHSAA power rankings, the Panthers are expected to be at home for the first round of the playoffs Tuesday night. Pairings will be released on Thursday.